Cannot install AdventureWorks SR3 (installer "ends prematurely")

Question

Hi,

Hope I'm not missing something simple here!  Running Win2003 Standard SP2, SQL2008 Enterprise Evaluation SP1.  All updates from Microsoft Update installed. All running in VMWare

I'm working through the self-paced training kit for 70-432 SQL2008 Implementation and Maintenance and have set up my SQL Server as per the instructions in the book (along with the corrections from the associated kb article 968609) so my services are as follows:
SQL Full-text Filter Daemon Launcher (MSSQLSERVER)  - automatic startup - started - running under .\SQL2008TK432FullText account
SQL Server (MSSQLSERVER) - automatic startup - started - running under .\SQL2008TK432DE

Filestream access is configured and running with access level 2  (confirmed with sp_configure 'filestream_access_level')

I've downloaded SQL2008.AdventureWorks_All_Databases.x86.msi from the Samples Refresh 3 page (I noticed that was released yesterday) - haven't installed any previous AW databases.

When I run the installer, it gets to the page where I select the instance to install to - I select my only instance, the default instance "MSSQLSERVER (Engine)".  The "Next" button is greyed out - if I click back, then click next to return to this dialog, the Next button is now enabled but very soon after clicking it, I see a dialog telling me that the "Microsoft SQL Server 2008 AdventureWorks Databases Refresh 3 Samples (x86) Setup Wizard ended prematurely".

I'm not really sure how to troubleshoot this problem - I cannot find much info online but then this version was only released yesterday by the looks of it.  Can anyone give me any advice where to look next?

Thanks,
Simon

Answer 1

I'm using the x64 version of the install package running Win7 and I'm having the exact same experience.  I have went through the same steps as you describe

I looked in the SQl server Log and the log has no entrys addressing this problem. The Setup end's so quickly I do not think any work has been done at all.

Geir

Answer 2

Simon,
I am experiencing the exact circumstance as you describe.  I am running Windows Server 2003 SP2 in a Microsoft Virtual PC environment.  I am attempting to install the SQL2008.AdventureWorks_All_Databases.x86.msi and receive the same error message concerning premature ending of the Setup Wizard.  I have met all the prerequisites for the AdventureWorks install. 

It would be nice to receive an error code that could be searched.

Is there an alternate package that can be run - perhaps an older version that has been tested?

Thank you,
Bert Dreifuss
FM:Systems

Answer 3

Hi there.
+1
Exact same behaviour.
Windows7 x64 / MSSQL 2008 SP1 x64
Cheers
Frederic

Answer 4

I resolved it, but I don't know why exactly I had the problem in the first place. 

I installed another instance of SQL on my virtual machine and then chose that new instance upon installing the AdventureWorks msi.  I had to go back and enable Full Text Search and FILESTREAM (both in Config. Mgr. and in Mgmt Studio) [http://msftdbprodsamples.codeplex.com/Wiki/View.aspx?title=Database%20Prerequisites&referringTitle=AWDW2008Details].

Hope this helps others.

--Bert Dreifuss
FM:Systems

Answer 5

I enabled FILESTREAM and Ensured The Full Text Service is running.  Also Checked to ensure that the filestream access level under advanced properties on the server is set to "Full access enabled"  Next I tried creating a whole new database instance and ensured that Full Text was selected and filestream was configured during install.  Installer is still greyed out when I choose one of my SQL Server 2008 R2 instances.  Please help!

Answer 6

Still haven't sussed it - if all else fails, I will try installing to a new instance as suggested above.

Something I found which may or may not be related....

If I select the "Sample Files" option in the custom setup window during installation (where you select what you do and don't want to install), the description says it requires 80KB of hard drive space.  I would expect it to take a lot more space as it should include all the files required to build and support the AdventureWorks dbs.  Looking at the screenshot from the installation instructions (http://msftdbprodsamples.codeplex.com/Wiki/View.aspx?title=Installing%20Databases ) seems to confirm this.

If I deselect the "Create AdventureWorks dbs" option in the installer, then the installer does continue and complete successfully (without the databases getting created, obviously).  Again, if I look in the new Tool\Samples folder installed, it doesn't contain anything apart from a "SQLServerDatabasesAndSamplesOverview" htm document.

There are x86, x64 and .zip files available from the downloads page.  I am guessing that the x86 and x64 files are pretty much the same as the .zip but wrapped up in a nice easy-to-use installer for the respective platforms.   The zip file does contain a whole heap of CSVs and an installer script for each database - I haven't looked into it in too much detail but there appears to be two similar folders for each database, one with 2008 in the name, the other without.  I don't know which ones should be installed.  But this might help someone else who is confident enough to install the AW databases this way.

Hopefully we'll find out soon how to get this all working!

Cheers,
Simon

Answer 7

I found that I had to set the correct path for the variables 

SqlSamplesDatabasePath &

SqlSamplesSourceDataPath

 in the instawdb and instawdwdb SQL Scripts.  The Database path defaults to a folder MSSQL10.MSSQLSERVER however R2 installs in MSSQL10_50.MSSQLSERVER.  I ended up just installing the Database and Datawarehouse manually but I would be interested if someone fixes these variables and re-run's the installer if the databases can be setup in this way.  I am sure they will release a version that works with R2, but until then, this is a nice little work around. 

Answer 8

Thanks for the heads-up.   I'm pretty sure the paths are correct for my SP1 installation - haven't installed RC2 - but I'll check again tomorrow and let you know.

Cheers,
Simon

Answer 9

How on earth could a fortune 500 company set up something so incredibly difficult to install?  Why not just supply the freaking mdf and ldf and let us attach it? I'm having the exact same trouble as others above but am too green to know where the instawdb and instawdwdb SQL Scripts.  I guess I'll just have to google it and hope for the best.  Thanks for any additional help or clarification.

Answer 10

Ok, I figured out how to install it.  Why didn't these bungholes just spell it out?  I will cover it.  Ok, download the SQL2008[1].AdventureWorks_All_Databases.zip file.  Drill down thru the zip file folder structure Tools=>Samples=>AdventureWorks OLTP=>instawb.   Open the instawdb and put that into a new query window via SQL Server Management Studio.  Don't try to play dickslap with the SqlSamplesDatabasePath and SqlSamplesSourceDataPath variables.  You will overwrite these variables with the Drive file path.  Go to the
Create Database [AdventureWorks] section.  Hard code the line for the mdf and the ldf.  For example my lines read:
Create Database [AdventureWorks]
  On (Name = 'AdventureWorks_Data', FILENAME = N'H:\SqlData\AdventureWorks_Data.mdf', SIZE = 170, Filegrowth = 8)
  LOG On (NAME = 'AdventureWorks_Log', FILENAME = N'H:\SQLDATA\AdventureWorks_Log.ldf', SIZE =2, FILEGROWTH = 96);

NipNack:
On line 26 where it says:
:on error exit
you'll need to comment that out if you don't want it to complain about incorrect syntax in the messages output which display when you run the thing.
Also you may opt to overwrite the
$(SQLSamplesSourceDataPath)
below the
Print 'Loading [Person].[Address]
line which I suggest you find using edit => find
....if you care to have address data, but it's not required.

Answer 11

If you use SQLCMD mode in SSMS then you can leave things like ":on error exit" in.  I would also recommend uncommenting the ":setvar" lines and specifying the correct paths to the CSV/Script files and the DATA directory for the instance you want to install on.  That way you don't need to search and replace $(SQLSamplesSourceDataPath) and $(SqlSamplesDatabasePath).

Another thing that might be useful (especially on Windows XP and Windows Server 2003) is to change the SQL Server (MSSQLSERVER) service so that it is logged in as Local System while you are trying to install the AdventureWorks databases.  Be sure to switch back to something more secure once the installation is complete.

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Bonnie Feinberg [MSFT] This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights

Answer 12

I've been working on this exact same issue for roughly 9 hours & give up.

Here is what I have & what I've done.

• Windows XP SP3
• SQL Server 2008 Express (with advanced options) File:  SQLEXPRADV_x86_ENU.exe   Fresh install to Instance SqlSrv2k8Express
• File:  SQL2008.AdventureWorks_All_Databases.x86.msi
• SQL Server 2005 installed & running fine.
• SQL Full-Text Filter Daemon Launcher (SQLSRV2K8EXPRESS ) running
• Cannot start SQL Server Agent (SQLSRV2K8EXPRESS) -- It's set for "NT Authority\Local Service" -- Tried changing that to different "Log On As" to no avail.  When I go into the "Service" tab of this and set "Start Mode " to "Manual " or "Automatic " I get the error:  "The request not supported. [0x80070032] "
• SQL Server (SQLSRV2K8EXPRESS ) running & Filestream is "Enabled" and "Enabled for file I/O streaming access" to Windows shared name of: "SQLSRV2KEXPRESS "
• Rebooted about a dozen times!

I've had to resort to SqlServer 2008 Express because I couldn't get past the "Failed" install due to Visual Studio 2008 not having SP1 when I already had it installed.  But that is for another post. 

Any way to get just the Adventureworks2008.mdf  & .ldf files so I can do this the old fashioned way?  Scoured the internet for just those files with no luck?

I've installed Sql Server 7, Sql Server 2000, and Sql Server 2005 and NEVER, EVER had this much trouble getting the server software installed NOR the database!!  I don't know what they did or why but it's all messed up, imo.

Please advise.

Thanks!!

Answer 13

HI,

I am also having an issue with installing Adventure Works database for SQL Server 2008.

When I try to install, it says "Installation wizard exited prematurely."

When I saw there are some prerequisites for installation, I tried finding out how to install and enable "Both FILESTREAM and Full-Text Search must be installed and enabled for the AdventureWorks2008 OLTP database to be created successfully". But I don't find it where to set this option.

I also tried going thru the SQL Server installation center, in the installation option, I opted for the new SQl Server stand alone installation or add new feature to an existing installation. It asked me for the installation media. Whats that??? I downloaded the SQL Server Express 2008 from the web. Where and how do I find the media installation? And becuase of this I am not able to go any further to fix the Full-Text search or the FILESTREAM.

Any ideas / solution??

Thanks in advance.

 

Answer 14

Just thought that I would add my experiences to those above... I had the same problem as everybody else, the 'Next' button being disabled when installing the AdventureWorks SR3 database(s). After finding this thread I tried everything here to no avail, then decided I would give up and import the data from the CSV files directly into another database. I wrote a query to do this but I got an error on the command BULK. Apparently BULK is not available with SQL Express. I have a key for enterprise so totally uninstalled the old SQL2008, reinstalled Enterprise and voila, AdventureWorks installed perfectly. Hope this helps someone.

Answer 15

Simon,

Since I still have Express installed could I ask you for the .mdf & .ldf file that was created when you imported it?  This would make my life EXTREMELY easy at this point.  At least until I get Windows 7 installed in a couple of weeks and can start from scratch.

If you could zip up those 2 files & email them to jwaclawski at gmail.com I would sincerely appreciate it!!

Thanks!!

Answer 16

Hello,

Same problem as all of yours.
I think the problem is in the installer
XP PRO SP3
SQL Server Express with advanced services 2008 RTM

I have unzipped the files and used the .sql beginning by inst...
I have uncommented the 2 lines corresponding to setvar and change the values of the folders ( for some personal reasons, i prefere to install each database in separate folders ).
No problem when i have executed the modified .sql thru SSMS in sqlcmd mode.
Remarks : before the 1st fail ( with the msiexec ), i have verified that the full-text service was launched and that the filestream was enabled ( full access including with remote access )
I think that the problem is related with the msiexec  ( or the installer ) for 2 reasons :
- the exit of the installer is very quick ( some seconds ) after the validation of the selected features to install
- there is a problem on the level of the instance choice if the proposed choice is not the good one ( i have 1 Dev and 2 Express with Advanced services 2008 RTM ): it is impossible to change the instance except by going backwards ( even next is impossible ) . The next time, i may choose my instance but the install is failing after some seconds

I have done an install of the samples 2008 in October without any problem ( choice of the instance and the install folders for the files very easy, an unique problem : 30 minutes for the whole install, really long )
Including the modification of the scripts .sql, i needed only 20 minutes 2 days ago ( bof , i have some time to spend )

BonnieFe, i am nearly sure the problem is on the level of the installer ( i will test to-morrow "my method" on a Vista Home , no, today it is 00:29 for me )

I don't like to criticize the work of other people especially because i know that all the team has done a huge work with the SR3.
I don't think there is any problem with the inst**.sql, they are all working very well ( BULK INSERT is working correctly with Express with advanced services, i have not tried with an Express "nude" without tools or advanced Services , i am not sure, but Filestream needs express with advanced services )

BonnieFe, i don't know who has written the download page, but this person has warned  clearly that Full-text service and FileStream must be enabled and the service started.
I have noticed that , for a default install of SQL Server Express, the full-text is not installed ( and so cannot be started ). I think it is why some people have had some problems with the install of the dbsamples

Have all a nice day

PS : i have had the same error with my SQL Server 2008 Dev ( so the problem is not related with Express Edition )

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Mark Post as helpful if it provides any help.Otherwise,leave it as it is.

Answer 17

I managed to successfully install the AW OLTP database this morning.

Before I go into the details, just a note to anyone using SQL Express: there IS a note, marked "Important", near the top of the pre-requisites page, advising Express users to install the Advanced Services, and also a link to the download.  It might be easy to miss this if you're skimming through the installation notes.  I don't use Express myself so I can't comment on how easy or hard it is to get Full-text working in Express.

Anyway, to install the AW OLTP database, I downloaded the zipped version on SR3, and unzipped the contents into a folder on my desktop.  I copied the Samples folder in the root of my unzipped folder into "C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\100\", and then drilled into the Tools folder within my unzipped folder, and copied the Samples folder within that into "C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\100\Tools".

I then opened SQL Management Studio, connected to my instance, and opened "C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\100\Tools\Samples\AdventureWorks 2008 OLTP\instawdb.sql".

Before I ran it I went to the Query menu and selected SQLCMD Mode, and in the query itself I uncommented the two ":setvar" lines (lines 39 and 40).  I ran the entire script and after a few moments, it completed successfully and I found AdventureWorks2008 sitting in my Object Explorer under Databases.  :)

Something to note, I haven't changed, and don't care to at this point in time, the default installation path of either my SQL Server installation or my database datafiles.  If you wish to do so, you will need to modify the instawdb.sql script - it looks to be documented to allow you to do this fairly easily.  It also looks like you'll need to do this if you're using SQL Server 2008 R2 if it uses a different path when installing.

I hope this helps any others who are having problems with the installer.

Cheers,
Simon

Answer 18

Thanks, Simon!  This did the trick for me.  Roundabout way of getting it installed but nonetheless it's installed FINALLY, no thanks to a crappy MS install program.

I did have to make one minor tweak to one of the uncommented lines to match the instance name on my system as you stated in your message.  Other then that though it worked like a charm.

Thanks for your persistence in getting this running successfully and your detailed instructions.  If anything, this was also a learning experience for me.  I'm going to go back & study that instawdb.sql file to see what exactly was done in there.

Thanks again!!

Answer 19

Simon's solution seems to be the workaround we all need. I do find it surprising that this (relatively important) issue is being left un-addressed for at least a week, despite (relatively large) number of complaints.

I  will try Simon's method tomorrow, so I do not go to bed disappointed - since my motivation to have this database is to be able to practice the really cool .NET RIA services with Silverlight.

---

Nik

Answer 20

I was also successful using Simon's solution (thanks, Simon!) after encounting the issues with the MS installer (namely, the issues relating to selecting the db instance and having the "next" button continuing to be greyed out).  Because I'm using SQL Server Express with Advanced Services, I didn have to change the script slightly, similar to Cowski above.

If you have read to this point, blow off the installer and just follow Simon's instructions above.  Also, note that the same approach works for creating the other two Adventure Works DBs:  LT and DW.  

Answer 21

Folks, if you could have a look at http://msftdbprodsamples.codeplex.com/wikipage?title=Database%20Installer%20Help&referringTitle=Home there is some information there which might be helpful if anyone still is having trouble installing the sample databases.

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Bonnie Feinberg [MSFT] This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights

Answer 22

Hello Bonniefe,

Thanks for your post and especially for your new link.
This link is helpful and clear.
It shows that the team who is managing the msftdbprodsamples project ( you are the coordinator ) are working hard to better these db samples.

I understand that this team needed time to check the eventual presence of a bug ( it is not always clear to reproduce a bug ).

Bonniefe, i am sure that this new article will pacify everybody the time that a new installer is created ( with my own experience, it is often the most difficult part of a project )

I think that your post will be marked as answer quickly

Have all a nice day

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Mark Post as helpful if it provides any help.Otherwise,leave it as it is.

Answer 23

I had the same problems with the Next button being disabled. In my case the problem was that the Analysis Services were not installed. After adding them the Next button was functional and I was able to install.

Answer 24

Totally share this
Why on the earth they do not provide a backup file
I spent one hour or so searching howto install this damned database

Answer 25

Hello Meddie,

But for at least 2 reasons :
- a backup file is much bigger than what you have to download now
- you have to think that a backup file can only be restored on an instance which has a version ( or SP ) equal or greater to the instance on which the backup was made

And it is more difficult to restore the .mdf and .ldf if you want to change their locations

I think that Bonniefe has already given these reasons ( at least the 1st one ) on this forum or on the site of CodePlex.

Have a nice week-end

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Answer 26

BonnieFe - many thanks for this. It has worked for me, and I now have AdventureWorks fully installed in my SQL Server 2008 Express Edition. I have to say that it is not for the faint-hearted!

Answer 27

I found a fix to the problem that allowed me to (re)install the AW2008 SR3 sample databases using the .msi installer.

I previously only had the database engine installed.  Today I installed SSAS, SSRS, and SSIS.  I decided to attempt the installer again so dropped the databases I previously installed manually and ran the installer.  This time when it prompted me to select the database engine, it also asked me to select an OLAP instance (there was a second drop-down menu on the same dialog window).  I did this and immediately the Next button became enabled and I was able to continue with the installation process successfully until it finished and I had all the AW databases installed.

It appears (without me fiddling more with my installation to find out for sure) that installing SSAS was the key.  I've raised a new item on the Issue Tracker detailing this.

Hope this helps!

Thanks,
Simon